How to Teach Children Not to Bully

We partnered with JIMMY Patterson Books to share this post. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Growing up is harder than ever. The standards seem higher. The struggles seem more intense. Social media is partly to blame, but we can’t put all the blame there. The fault lies in not completely understanding or caring how words or actions can absolutely devastate someone’s life. Each time I hear of a teen that committed suicide because of someone else’s words, I’m reminded why it’s important to teach children not to bully.

The biggest lie ever told to me was, “Sticks and stones may break your bones but words can never hurt you“. We may be able to tell ourselves that words don’t hurt, but the truth is that so much power lies in the tongue. The words that come out of the mouth have incredible power. We can make someone feel on top of the world, or we can make someone feel like they’re nothing in this world simply by the words we speak.

When we teach children not to bully, we are planting good seed for future generations. Will you join me in making a better future for our children?

How to Teach Children Not to Bully

It can be disheartening to find out that your child has been picking on other children. As difficult as the news may be, how you handle it is incredibly important. It’s critical that you begin to get to the root of bullying so that you know how to properly address the situation.

Take bullying seriously!

It’s not something to ignore or take lightly. Let your children know that bullying will not be tolerated and that there will be strict consequences for any type of bullying behavior. Make them aware of potential consequences that bullying might bring. It could cause them to think twice before treating someone else unkindly.

Set a good example!

Your children will most likely emulate the type of behavior they see in their parents. Set a good example for your children and make sure to treat everyone with respect and kindness. Teach them how to be the type of children that other kids look up to by treating others the way they would like to be treated.

Encourage them to be kind!

It’s important to teach and encourage our children to embrace the differences of others. It’s those differences that make us all incredibly unique and special. Encourage them to be kind to the child someone is making fun of. Encourage them to be a friend when no one else will.

Be real with them!

I know that sometimes we try to shield our children from the real world that is out there. But when it comes to bullying it’s important that we be as real as possible with them. There are real consequences to bullying and they need to know what their actions could potentially cause.

Be involved!

Kids bully for a number of reasons. If you’re deeply involved in their lives, it will be easier to find the reason they feel the need to bully. Some bully because they feel insecure. Some bully because they want to fit in. Some bully because that’s what they see at home.

With three children, we occasionally deal with name calling and being mean. We try to redirect anger or frustration with other avenues of release, like just walking away. It’s in our nature to react when we’re provoked, but learning how to redirect those frustrations or anger will help even into adulthood. It’s an important lesson we’re working on with our children.

Pottymouth and Stoopid were the names given to David and his best friend, Michael, during preschool. This book is their story, from the very beginning. It’s a great read for upper elementary students and middleschoolers from bestselling authors James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein. There is humor, there is truth, and there is friendship. What’s not to love?

No More Awful Nicknames! In partnership with Jimmy Patterson Books, I’m so excited to offer you a fun giveaway just in time for back-to-school season. One (1) winner will receive a copy of Pottymouth and Stoopid plus a personalized-name Lands End backpack! To enter, use the widget below.

Crystal Reagan, the owner and founder of SimplyBeingMommy.com lives in Small Town, Texas with her husband and 3 children. Crystal and her website have been featured on local and national news stations including Channel 2 Houston and ABC News. She has also appeared on BetterTV as a Mommy Expert for VTech.

Comments

This is such a great post. One thing I’ve learned is that kids can be accidental bullies as well as intentional ones. Kids can get so pushy and say whatever comes into their minds. It’s easy for them to hurt another child’s feelings.

Excellent tips here. There seems to have been an entire generation of bullies born recently. We need to teach the little ones we have now to value and respect others and not give into the temptation of social media.

What a brilliant topic to discuss. I think when kids grow up with siblings, it is easier to teach at home as well. I love that you are opening up the conversation with tips that parents and every adult who engages with children (teachers, guidance counselors, etc.) can use!

Every year on the first day of school we have the bullying talk with my girls. I always tell them if you see someone in need of a friend, you be that friend. I get a lot of compliments from their peers on how nice and helpful they always are to everyone, so I’m glad that we started those talks early!

It is so important to teach kids early about not bullying. Already, it is a concern of mine and my son hasn’t even gone to school yet. These are great tips to put kids on the right path to kindness and compassion. I will definitely have to check out this book.

As a former Special Ed Teacher I wish more parents took an active role in preventing bully behavior in their children. I had to deal with a lot of my students coming to me with bully issues from the ‘mainstream’ classes, and my job was tiring enough without having to also play referee and teach children manners which I thought they would have learned at home well BEFORE they started school. Great Post!!

I think teaching kids not to bully should start at home. Making them learn to love and respect their siblings is the first step in teaching them to do the same with classmates. When my kids were young, bullying was usual topic of discussion in the house, like why they should not do it, and why they should tell their parents or teacher about bullying.

Thank you for letting me know about this book. I believe it is a gem of a book for middle schoolers, where most of the instances of bullying happens. I will get a copy for my sister. Her kids are right about that age.

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